Cecil concludes 24-year Kentucky Air National Guard Career

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Clayton Wear
  • 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
After 24 years of service to the Kentucky Air Guard, Chief Master Sgt. Shaun P. Cecil retired during a ceremony held in the maintenance hangar at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base here April 10.

Lt. Col. Rodney Boyd, outgoing commander of the 123rd Civil Engineering Squadron praised Cecil for his leadership and dedication while serving as the squadron’s chief enlisted manager.

“I remember when Chief Cecil first came to the Civil Engineer Squadron,” Boyd told the audience of friends, family and coworkers. “One thing I recall from that initial encounter with Chief, was that he had a very strong work ethic.

“He has been a trusted advisor, a wise confidant and a friend,” Boyd continued. “I am sad to see him go. I appreciate all you have done for the squadron, and I certainly cannot thank you enough for all that you have done.”

Cecil began his career in 1997 as a power production specialist for the Kentucky Air National Guard. He would spend the next 24 years in a CE capacity, the last four as a chief master sergeant. Toward the end of his career, Cecil served as the chief enlisted manager of the 332nd Civil Engineer Squadron for U.S. Air Forces Central Command.

In his comments to the audience, Cecil expressed gratitude to his family and friends for their support through the years.

“The public likes to thank us for our service,” Cecil observed. “For some reason this has always made me uncomfortable, because it is really our friends and family members who should be thanked. They always do so much for us, and my family is no different in that effort.

“To the men and women of the 123rd CES, you are the ultimate reason I stayed in for 24 years. I really thought I would only serve one enlistment, but once I saw the camaraderie and work ethic, I instantly fell in love. It has truly been an honor to work with every single one of you.”